"Among young, healthy men who used ED medicines recreationally, the more frequent ED medicine use was associated with lower confidence in achieving and maintaining erections, which in turn was associated with lower erectile function," Harte says.

The study is published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

The researchers found a link but not cause and effect, Harte tells WebMD.

However, another expert wonders if some of the men who reported ''recreational'' use actually had ED.